Zanzibar added to 2026 CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship
By Joel Masibo, May 23, 2026The Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) has officially confirmed the inclusion of Zanzibar in the 2026 CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship, increasing the number of participating teams to eight.
According to a press release issued on Saturday, May 23, 2026, the regional football body said the decision was made after consultations aimed at improving fairness and balance in the competition.
The tournament is scheduled to take place in Tanzania from June 13 to 23 in Dar es Salaam.
CECAFA Interim Executive Director Jean Sseninde stated that Zanzibar’s inclusion was necessary to create a more balanced tournament structure.
“After consultations, and in the interest of maintaining sporting fairness, competitive balance, and the integrity of the competition, Zanzibar has been included to ensure a more balanced group-stage structure and equitable competitive exposure for all participating teams,” said Sseninde.
Tournament’s outlook
Following the adjustment, Group B will now consist of Uganda, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Zanzibar. Group A will feature hosts Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, and Sudan.
The addition of Zanzibar is expected to strengthen the competition as teams prepare to battle for regional glory in the youth women’s football championship.
The tournament will also provide a platform for young female footballers in the CECAFA region to showcase their talent and gain valuable international experience ahead of future continental and global competitions.
Championship draw
Andrew Jackson Oryada, CECAFA Head of Marketing and Communication conducted the draw at the FUFA TV headquarters in Kampala on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
Initially, seven teams including debutants Somalia and Sudan will feature in the Championship.
Kenya will face Sudan in the opening match on Saturday, June 13, 2026, while hosts Tanzania battle Somalia in the second match the same day at the KMC Stadium.
“We are delighted that Somalia and Sudan will for the first time take part in the Championship which also provides Member Associations in the Zone with the opportunity to build the Women’s Youth teams,” added Oryada.
The other tournaments lined-up on the 2026 CECAFA calendar include; CECAFA Kagame Cup, CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers, CAF U-20 CECAFA qualifiers, CAF African Schools Football Championship CECAFA qualifiers and CAF U-17 CECAFA qualifiers.